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A few months ago I came up with an idea of making election themed cocktails for this year’s General Election. Wednesday, the Reno Gazette-Journal printed my drink article. I could not be prouder to see my creations in black and white!

Most people get their best ideas in the bathroom. Me, I get mine at 1 a.m. While sleeping. And that’s where this idea was born.

Somewhere in my subconscious, I wandered upon the idea of election-themed cocktails. From that, I thought about Nevada races.

I focused on the four major candidates — two for governor, two for U.S. senator — because they generated most of the press this year. I also added a “None of These Candidates” drink for those who don’t do alcohol.

I narrowed down my cocktails to reds or blues, the classic campaign colors, and began to figure out my liquors. Did I want something sweet? Sour? Fruity? Tangy? Peppery? Bubble gum? The choices were migraine-inducing — and tough.

What resulted are the recipes I’m sharing here.

As for the disembodied candidate-head swizzle sticks you see in the accompanying photograph — all Burning Man! Where else would you think of something like that?

Cheers!

Kellene Stockwell is an Emmy Award-winning producer at KTVN Channel 2. She is currently working on her breakthrough Hollywood screenplay. You can read her blog at kellene23.wordpress.com or follow her Twitter adventures at @kellene23.

CAMPAIGN COCKTAIL RECIPES

(Cocktail recipes for each race appear in alphabetical order by candidate’s surname.)

Wet rim of port glass with water, then dip and twirl in Cosmopolitan Rimmer to lightly and evenly coat. Place blueberries into bottom of glass. Add remaining ingredients except 7Up to ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake, then strain into glass. Add 7Up right before serving to create bubbles and fizz in the “Pretty in Pink” liquid. Serves 1.